St. Viator College Newspaper, 1895-11

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THE VIATORIAN: •

VOL. XIII.

NOVEMBER, 1895.

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Strange my thoughts while lonely sitting In my silent room; Past my window snowflakes flitting, Signs of summer's doom.

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While the snow is falling, drifting, Cov'ring roof and dome; Still mv thoughts are roaming, shifting, Stopping last at home.

Ah! how fast in pleasant dreaming, This Thanksgiving eve, Childish pleasures, brightly gleaming, Round about me weave.

There this feast was kept with glory From the morning's light, When with games and pleasant story All too soon came night.

And the good things-but, Oh! never Can I treat that part, For it puts a gnawing ever Just below my heart.

First to church, the sweet bells ringing, There the solemn mass; In our hearts thanksgiving singing.

Every lad and lass.

Ah! how oft with merry laughing, Though their eyes were dim, Old folks ceased a while their quaffing, Friends to welcome in.

Then to mother's breakfast steaming, Oh! the pleasant sight; All things shining, brightly gleaming, Table cloth snow white.

Oh ! the friends, the merry greeting, Good old days gone past; Would that time were not so fleeting, Love would have them last.

But no more for me their blessing, Stilled is each sweet sound; And the mem'ry, though caressing, Breathes an awe profound.

For the friends of home are scattered, Hushed is mirth and song ; And the staff of home is shattered, Mother dear is gone.

But no more I'll sit a-weeping, It was God's own way; And I know there ' II be a meeting, Some Thanksgiving Day. J.H.N.

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THE VI4TORIA:N. CORRESPONDENCE, COLLEGIO CANADESE, } VIA QUATTRO FONTANE 117, ROMA, lTALIA, Oct. 18, 1895.

DEAR VIATORIAN:-Before classes -reopen (Nov. 4) I summarize from my note- book and tear out for you a few pages here and there. I must not be too lengthy. [tis too late now to tell you about my trip through the rest of Switzerland after leaving Lugano towards the end of July; the ride through the famous tunnels of St. Gothard is very much like crawling underground; · but the short sail on the lake of the Four Cantons from Fluelen to Lucerne, including a look at the Righi, is splendid. Lucerne is framed in mountains, and as an escaped sea fairy, rules over the prettiest lake in Switzerland. Her Lion, a monument carved out in the flank of a mountain, to honor the fidelity of Louis XVI's Swiss gua-rd, is grand.

The trip from Lucerne .to Berne by Interlacken is like riding through some fairy land you once read about.

In fact all along the route from Lugano to Geneva you hear the ceaseless ,s ong of mountain streams jumping down from those snowy ~ildernesses above the .clouds; you see gulches and canyons and ravines and wild caves and black precipices succeeding each other spreading before the view a flying panorama of yawning mouths, of foamy torrents, of browsing goats, of quaint hamlets and of great big mountains. There are so many and such huge mountains in this little republic that you can hardly see the ground!

I will not tire

you with a description of Berne's bear cave nor with Ge~eva's historical souvenirs of Rousseau and Calvin.

• I will only mention how delighted I was to meet the confreres at the chapter (Lyons) and especially to see V. Rev. Fr. Fournier and Bro. Senecal.

We, together with Bro. Gendreau, of Canada, traversed France in visiting the principal houses of the provinces of St. Flour and of Rodez. We visited Tolouse and Lourdes.

About Lourdes each one of us could write a book of impressions; it would . not be like Zola's book! Bro. Senecal and I took leave of our companions here in order to see a little corner of Spain, the land of chivalry and bullfights! We had not been twenty-four hours in the country before we saw at San Sebastian the entire royal family; the Queen regent, the boy King Alfonso, tlfe princess and the infanta.

The eight year old king of Spain was taking his morning bath in the bay of Biscay. Satisfied that we had seen the biggest people in the country we decided not to go to Madrid; we crossed the old kingdom of Arragon, stopped at Saragossa, and thence went to Barcelona, the capitol of Cata,.

Ionia and the second largest city of Spain.

Spaniards at this end are polite and easy-going, in fact slow; trains are very slow.

We did not see a single two-story hquse that had not a balcony; as guitars are common here and the character of the people romantic, I fancy that balcony scenes must abound! Peploe in general, men and woman, are very religious, much more so than m

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Churches are large, but not as beautiful as in France or in Italy.

From Barcelona we came 'to Marseilles and crossed the Med iterranean to Naples, about the end of September. The sea was calm as a sleeping babe-and the ride on the "Gyptis" was delightful; we saw Corsica, Elba, Monte Cristo, etc., and the "only" bay of Naples. We visited Naples, Pompeii, and the Vesuvius, arid, though the weather was very beautiful, we were happy that it was done. I wondered whether it was not because of these fatiguing excursions that people ought to be willing and ready to die after seeing Naples.

September 29 we took leave of Naples~ too vaunted beauty of her truly importunate beggars, her officious guides and unwholesome atmosphere.

Rome was our next stop, and as Bro. Senecal was anxious to see and I was anxious to show him the city, we spent the best part of a fortnight in visiting the monuments, Ghurches, ruins, palaces, museums, galleries, catacombs, and other places of interest in and abaut the city.

But the day on which we would be admitted to the Pope, that was the day that we both looked forward to with mingled sentiments of hope, apprehension, and fear! The answer to our earnest request came October 5, granting audience at noon the next day! So, on the 6th of October, feast 9f St. Bruno, anniversary of the foundation of the novitiate (and of my entering there) we were both wending our way to the royal halls of the Vatican with grateful, buoyant hearts and

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handfuls of beads and medals, etc., to be blessed by the Holy Father.

We ascended .by Pius IX.'s grand "Scala dei Nobile," and waited in the large Clementine Hall, where about a hundred persons) gentlemen and ladies, sisters, monks, and priests from various parts of the world were assembled and awaiting the arrival of the Pope. We waited long and had time to admire all that glittered' and moved around us. The splendid Noble Guards were there; the brave Swiss Guards, . too, walked leisurely up and down, beautiful as visions in their many-colored uniforms. There flitted lightly about busy chamberla~ns, young and old, all in elegant red silk suits a la Louis XIV. They looked like the pages and servitors of some great monarch. At last the great monarch, the uncrowned but invincible Leo XIII . , the white, white Pope, the grand, the venerable old man, the successor of Peter, the man of such tremendous power on earth and in heaven, the vicar of Christ-he came! He, too, came like a passing vision of white glory. We saw him, we kissed his hand, we spoke to him.

He blessed us, spoke a few words to each as he paternally leaned over to hear and grant each one's request.

One feels very much as . if he 'w ere near the one who can unbar the golden gates of heaven; one feels like asking just all such gifts and blessings as he would ask if he were at the feet 路 of God; for the thought that this man is Christ's vicar on earth cannot leave us, it is in fact uppermost in our minds. We ask him to bless all that

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is dearest to us, our community and its work, our colleges, schools, novitiates, orphanages, and-other charitable institutions, to bless our parents, our brothers and sisters, our friends and relatives and our benefactors.

The Pope is very white and thin and frail; he looks weak and exhausted.

But his eye is still clear and piercing.

His quick, bright black eyes looked right into one's face as if to read what was written there. He would nod assent to various petitions a:ad add kindly: ''Tell your parents, your friends, your community, that the Pope blesses them all." To a brave Hollander next to us, a large giver for a new church, he said: ''Generous souls have their reward assured;" and learning from this man that he had eight children, he gently stroked his head and said: ''I bless you and your children heartily." The Pope spoke French or Italian, he does not speak German nor English. The blessing which the Pope gave to the assembly at the end was very impressive; the venerable old pontiff rose slowly, and, raising his eyes and hands suppliantly' towards heaven and fervently invoking God's blessing, he then, with a wide, wide wave of his arm, as if he wished to include all the world, made three great signs of the cross, saying: "Benedicat vos omnipoteus Deus, Pater, et Filius, et Spiritus Sanctus." I was deeply touched then, and also when I pressed the Pope's hand in mine and spoke to him in behalf of the community. I felt that it was one of the solemnest moments of my life, and that I was in 路

the most august human presence I could ever meet.

It all passed.

That short lived happy hour is now but a memory.

I'll enjoy thinking over it, rehearsing its calm and yet brilliant scenes and recalling the slow but continuous passage of that grl:}.ce-dispensing cortege.

How many were consoled to have seen that day! And is it not a comfo-rt too, and a consolation for the Holy Father, prisoner as he is, to see so often so many faithful souls crowding around him from all parts of the world and offering him the homage of this love and devotion? I know earthly monarchs not far from here who h.a ve not this kind of cons.o lation.

May God long preserve our, in spite of all, gloriously reigning pontiff, pope in fact and king by right! [We met in the audience one Count Cassell, of Denver, Pope's secret chamberlain, of the order of the Sword and Cape, a great friend of Mr. Onahan's.]

October 10. Bro. Senecal, considering his visit to Rome a complete success, left today for Loretto, Venice, Milan, Turin, Geneva, . Lyons, and Paris, and then Bourbonnais! I hope the brother will travel safely and reach horne happily.

I am alone again.

I have dusted my St. Thomas and Zigliara and already I dream of those far-off sheep-skins, more precious than the fabulous golden fleece itself.

I visited with Fr. Leclair, Vice Rector of the college, the studio's of several artists who are painting for the cathedral <?f Montreal. It is interesting to watch the evolution of tableaux. ,<'

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October 11. I hav~ since my return to Parto is in great veneration. A much Rome taken many long rides and frequented triduum closes tomorrow, pleasant strolls through the city. the feast of the Maternity, and this When I saw Rome for the first time afternoon the first vespers of the last year, her old, somewhat decrepit festa were being sung amid the most and time-worn appearance struck me _glorious and. tasty i.llumination that I forcibly, and, I must say, not favor- have yet seen in Rome. The church ably; I was so used to the new. But I looked like a' 'Cave of the Stars" where find ·Rome more beautiful after having angels had gathered to sing praise and Angel figures lived here a year and now seeing her love to their queen. again. Her charms come out more hovered here and there amid those myclearly now that the eye has gotten riads of brilliantly scintillating lights; accus.tomed to the scene. She is old it was as if the golden gates of the it is true, as Fr. Beaudoin says, and heavenly Jerusalem pad been left ajar wears the scars of many a cruel fight; and we had stolen a glimpse of the ,but her silver hairs and her scars, as splendors which surpass all that our those of some dear grand-parent, have benighted intellects can conceive and grown familiar and endeared, and I our poor speech express. · At one end love to see her deck;ed in these, the of the church sat the Madonna upon a becoming ornaments of her years and throne of light, at the other the richly of her trials. (I 'll not say anything vested , clergy surrounded the altar of the warts and freckles that have like an aureola. You almost look for sprung up on her face during vacation God in such a scene as this; but if you to commemorate the 20th of Sept., do ·not see Him, you feel that He is 1870, i. e. the column of Victory near there, that he looks complacently the Porta Pia, Minghetti's monument down on those kneeling chi'l dren and in the city, and Garibaldi's equestrian listens to their petitions and their ex statue on •theJaniculum, all impudent ulting chants.

The music this evening was brilliant, insults to the papacy. The celebration here of the 25th anniversary was, it was transporting. Ca{>Ucci, Moreaccording to all accounts, an immense schi, and the best singers of Rome fiasco .) During the recent vacation were there.

The ' 'Laudate Puer.i" I've seen through Switzerland, France, was particularly impressive. A choir Spain, and Italy many, many cities, of children responded to the call of a some modern and pretty, others old splendid tenor who invited them to and interesting; but Rome still re- - ''Praise the Lord ye Child r en . '' The mains uppermost in my affections and conception is beautiful, and the execu~ first and last in abiding interest. tion was J?.Ot only without a flaw, but There is no other city like Rome, and simply transportin g.

We mounted Rome is like no other city. and mounted with th ese lovely angelic October 12, we went to St. Augus - voices clear up to the thron e of the tine's church, where the Madonna del . Lord where, with th e children, we d r-

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posited our wreaths of prayer and praise. How beautiful these feasts in Rome! Hor lovely they make religion appear, clothing her in the rich and queenly robes of decoration, amid the graces of painting and sculpture and lending her the sweetest voices of music! The eye is made to look at what is beautiful and the ear to drink in harmony. All these exterior things are no doubt of an order inferior to things purely intellectual and spiritual, to words, to prayer, to sermons, to direct communion of soul with God; but we • need the first in order to be led to the second, which are, as it were, the flower of the first. Man is not only s:p iri t; he is also and is largely sense.

October 18. Fine bracing morning with a lively cold breeze from the north; one enjoys closing his windows and letting the warm, bright sun stream into his room. Several students have returned. . . . . I feel I have again been too long. I close wishing you all a happy St. Viateur's day and a prosperous year.

Yours devotedly, E. L. RIVARD, c.s. v.

HAMLET.

Critics generally concede that Hamlet is one of the greatest of Shakespeare's creations. His high moral nature, lofty purpose, and keen sensibility make him a man apt to do the best works himself, but to feel terribly any imposture from others. So sincere and kindly disposed himself, he cannot realize the depths of wickedness to which man may go, and experience

will prove too shocking to his delicate heart.

While others laughed at intrigue and imposture, Hamlet, on discovering such double-dealing, suffers an agony which becomes so great to his sensitive soul that it leaves him powerless to resist either the wrong itself or the feelings it awakens.

He knows of his father's murder and sees the murderers enjoy the fruits of their foul deeds. Although be bad in · him the qualities of a true soldier; although the enormity of the wrongs done him justly called for vengeance which he might have wreaked upon his enemies in the bloodiest manner, although the cruel state into which· he was thrown by the intrigues of his avaricious uncle might have called to heaven itself for vengeance; still be desists from action, prompted by high religious motives. In the heat and energy of resolve he does not lose sight of an after life, of a Justice that will demand an account of the present : "But that the dread of something after death, The undiscovered country, from whose bourne No traveler returns, puzzles the will And makes us rather bear those ills we have Than fly to others that we know not of?"

Act III., Scene 1. r,

Here we have a truly beautiful reflection, a gra.nd moral, E.mbodying the highest principles of Christian ethics, from which we infer that Hamlet was a truly · Christian man. He prefers patiently to suffer the "slings and arrows of an outrageous fortune," and this because he thinks it the part of a

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nobler mind. He spurns the idea of giving way to the first impulse of revenging his grievance, though the motives prompting him thereto migh~ seem to justify such an action.

That affliction had weighed heavily upon the soul of Hamlet, is evident from the fact that his mind seemed .to be unseated and that he grew llldifferen t of life itself: ''To die, to sleep, No more, and by a sleep to say we end The heart-ache, and the thousand natural shocks That fiesh is heir to, 'tis a consummation Devoutly to be wish'd." • Ibid.

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This is evidently the expression of a soul stricken with grief immensurable, so much so that it considers death even a blessing, a much desired relief from all those troubles, anxieties and dangers, which mark our daily life; those adversities of body and soul to which we, sincE the fall of Adam, are exposed. These ''thousand natural shocks that flesh is heir to'' had become unbearable to such a degree, [that Hamlet considers the release from them, though it be through grim death itself, as a "consummation devoutly to be wished."

However he refrains from further dwelling upon such thoughts so .as to avoid the sad necessity of yielding to them and thus prove disloyal to the good cause of virtue. He prefers to bend in humble, though manly resignation to his lot, than to bear the stings and thorns of a stifled canscience. Although passion in all its intensity had been enkindled into a bright flame in him, and he knew that to put an end to his sufferings it re-

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quired but very little, only a ''bare bodkin,'' still ''the \something after death" awakens in h'i.s bosom · the nobler feelings and thus stays passion.

It .is the dread of committing crime, and the abhorrence he harbm s of being brutalized by it.

Thus his better nature gains the ascendency and he at once realizes that "conscience doth make cowards of us all;" that it alone is the strong bulwark against the force of passion; quenches the fire of a wrong-directed ambition, cools the feverish ambition of one in search of dignity and tempers with prudence the resolution of the courageous.

The voice of conscience on the one side, and on the other the fearful accusations brought against his uncle, the summons to revenge, and the · piercing, reiterated prayer of his father's ghost- ''Remember me," leave this young man, so refined by nature, and so tender of heart, in a state of doubt and , despair bordering on frehzy, and from energy he falls to indifference and inaction, and seemingly to stupidity. But we see that he who could speak thus of an after-life and a final justice was content to await the final rectifying of earth's wrongs at the bar of divine justice.

But the succession of crime appealed too strongly to his high-strung and over-sensitive nature, and in time proved too much for his resolution.

This was not the case with Macbeth, to whom we may place Hamlet in direct contrast. The latter proceeds with the utmost slowness and anxiety, the former with a crowded and breathless rapidity.

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After the ghost of his father had vanished, Hamlet is overwhelmed with sorrow and amazement; his heart and brain suffering from the malady of that widespreading waste of corruption which surrounds him on all sides , he becomes bitter against those treachous villains who now smile and scoff at his misfortune. It is this which tempts him the more to understand and to conceive an indescribable detestation of things, rather than attain some end by a limite(,} practical service. He swears never to forget the departed, and concludes with this , short, though significant phrase: "The time is out of joint: 0 cursed spite, That ever I was born to set it right!"

(Act. 1., Scene 1.)

In these words can be summed up the final outcome of Hamlet's whole procedure.

It is clear that here are presented to us the effects of a great action laid on the soul, fit in one · sense and yet unfit for the performance of it. The mission laid upon Hamlet, was one impossible to be accomplished, not because it was in itself an impossibility, but because it was such for him. So lovely, pure, noble, and most moral nature, which had not the strength of nerve to form a hero. sank beneath the burden it could not bear, but still dared not cast off, so that the task laid upon the shoulders of our young king is, according to the words of Goo the, ''An oak-tree planted in a costly jar, which should have . borne only pleasant flowers in its bosom; the roots expand, the jar is shivered.''

In Ham,let, therefore, we have a

character that would have been most admirable, had his w<:>rld been one of honesty, of happiness, and of human love, but in the midst of such deceit and universal selfishness, his character, both from an intellectual and emotional standpoint, is found of but little actual service.

M. A. W.

ST. CATHERINE OF ALEXANDRIA.

In reading the history of the Catholic church we cannot fail to see the ~stering care she has always shown for science. In adversity and prosperity it has been dear to her; not infrequently was it subject for legislalation in her provincial synods; oftentimes its progress was encouraged by acts of general councils. Circumstan- . ces, indeed, called for such enactments, but before these were given, and all along through the Christian era, scientific culture clung to the church as the vine to the elm. It was the children of the Catholic church who kept the lamp of learning burning in the darkest ages, and today they are found traversing the highest walks of knowledge. See the efforts made by Catholic universities and colleges throughout the world to instruct their pupils in scientific learning and to train their hearts to that revealed truth that ''God is the Lord of the sciences.''

The resources of secular learning the church uses as a means of reaching souls, and of bringing them, as best she can, under the influence of supernatural truth. Like a tender mother, the holy church places before us, for

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our encouragement and imitation, models and patrons of holiness and learning. We are assembled here this evening to honor one of these-St. Catherine of Alexandria. This great servant of God united in a most sublime degree virtue and science. She was of illustrious birth, endowed with all the gifts ~;f nature, and surrounded by everything which the world admires; but, for St. Catherine, these · had no attractions. As soon as she learned of her heavenly destiny, her sole desire was to lead a life entifely in keeping with that sublime end.

'I'his was manifest on all occasions by the spirit of faith which animated her actions.

By her intimate union with God she learned that the peerless soul of a virgin is -the mos~ beautiful thing on earth and the dearest to Him; and it was in defense of this angelic virtue that our saints. suffered martyrdom.

God has frequently chosen the meek and . humble frame of girlhood for the most extraordinary manifestations of His power or His goodness.

He has sent us, from time to time, beings who need to be angels clothed in human form to attract us by the beauty of virtue, and to show us the great mystery of love in which He unites Himself to the human soul.

God has been ever great in His saints. St. Catherine, as a philosopher, was the glory of her age. She knew full well that learning after virtue is the highest ornament of the human mind.

Men in their efforts to acquire knowl- . edge, are, as a rule, actuated by vain, curious, or lucrative motives.

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Catherine was convinced that nothing here below is truly great only in · as far as it leads to God. Hence she . studies that she might be more instr-umental for · good in saving souls and thereby promote the honor and glory of God. When· several pagan philosophers were compelled by the emperor, Maximias, to enter into a disputation with her, she not only dissuaded them from their false notions, but by he:r eloquence, united to the sweetness of her .piety she was the means through which they received that knowledge which surpasses all understandingthe divine faith; and she afterwards prepared them to sacrifice their lives for that heavenly treasure.

How appropriate and advantageous then is it not for us to . endeavor to imitate St. Catherine, who by her uncommon. eruditio,n, and the extraordinary spirit of piety by which she sanctified her learning, won for her the title which was hers for many centuries, that of patroness and model of Christian philosophers.

M. D.

• SHAKESPEARE ON MERCY. "Blessed are the m erciful.''

Any quality having the love and sanction of . God and man, must appeal strongly to the poet. Mercy, a virtue that compels us to forget our brother's faults, to pardon his crimes, is one that saves the world, unites man, and holds in check passions that would otherwise ruin mankind. How it appeals to the poets; they are ever speaking of its charms and using its

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influence to melt the heart of their readers. To all poets its grandeur · was evident, but to none more than to him who best knew the workings of human love and hatred-the world's own Shakespeare.

Portia's plea for mercy is a summing up of the excellencies of that virtue, rivaling all possibilities in the same direction. Here, when all argument had failed, when Shylock could not be persuaded of his injustice, and of the blind fanaticism that moved his vengeful heart, Portia seeks to reach him by way of mercy, and puts forth its grandeur in a manner calculated to move any but a heart hardened by avarice and prejudice. How beautiful the sentiments, even when we forget the circumstances under which they were delivered: "The quality of mercy is not strain'd; It droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven

Upon the place beneath; it is twice bless'd; gives and him that takes; 'Tis mightiest in the mightiest; it becomes The monarch better than his crown.''

It blesses him that

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It is a something on which we must all rely.. Which one of us has so acted that he can call for justice and not mercy? qHow wou ld you be, If He which is the top of judgment, should But judge you as you are? 0, think on that; And mercy then wi ll breathe within your lips."

M. M., Act II., scene 2.

We expect it from others and we must make it the equivalent of all the faults of those about us, particul arly our friends. ''How many times shall I

pardon my brother?'' Till seventy times? said the apostle, seeking to measure the extent of mercy. "Yea" said the Master, "till seventy times seventy," that is always and without regard to the offense of the one offending. That mercy which will not smile on small offenses, though it fain would exert its power on great ones is very questionable.

If little faults, proceeding on distemper

Shall not be winked at, how shall we stretch our eye When capital crimes, chew'd , swallow'd, and digested , Appear before us?"

Henry V, 11, 2.

Mercy finds a worthy object in the smallest offenses as it is of course easier to be merciful when there is little to be forgiven. How thoroughly christian the sentiment of Shakespeare -what a great lesson he teaches!

The immutable principles of justice assures to every man his just dues.

But while we may have unquestioned rights in the claims we urge, still the very rights we have enable us to forego them, were the giving up of these to bring us no great loss · or inconvenience, and at the same time be a source of happiness and perhaps a freedom from pain to our fellow-men.

Shakespeare in his thorough grasp of human infirmity notes this: "Though justice be thy plea, consider thisThat in the course of justice none of us Shou ld see salvation: we do pray for mercy; And that same prayer doth teach us all to render M. V . , IV, 1.

The deeds of mercy.

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How many are the hardships of the Draw near them then in being merciful; poor because merciless Dfen force just · Sweet mercy is nobility's true b·a dge."

Titus Aud. I-2. claims, but with the rigor of tyrants: · How deeply Shakespeare was im"0, it is excellent To have a giant's strength, but it is tyran- pressed with true Christianity we learn from his many virtuous sayings. nous To use it like a giant.'''

His was a sympathetic .heart; beatMeasure for Measure, Act. l.I, S, 4. ing for all mankind.

Within his If a to.o rig~d ·demand for justice own breast he heard the echo of every beget cruelty, ' a too great laxity of sorrow and felt the grief that afflicted justice does likewise bring its evil. men. Only he who feels can sympa.

A sort of sickly sentiment that ·shields thize, and only he who analyzes can the murderer, the thief, the drunkard, judge. Therefore we find the sum of on ly makes these more bold, as it also judgment and com passion in Shakedraws great numbers to their ranks. speare, and hepce the strength of his He who saw so well the beauties of sayings on mercy.

He insists on mercy from man to this excellent virtue saw also the man, because each is weak and erring, possibility of its abuse: each needs the other's help, and no "Nothing so emboldens sin as mercy." one can afford to be merciless when all Timon of Athens, .II.I, 5.

In Romeo and Juliet, III-I, we read: would suffer from strict justice.

Then, too, he points out the abuse "Mercy but murders, pardoning those that that may follow a too great leniency kill."

We should not conclude that justice because man · is so ready to take and mercy contradict each other, and advantage even of his benefactor. that while mercy ought to be foremost But his best sayings are those which as the one best becoming man, still give his meditations on divine mercy, justice has its plac8, and its demands that complement of divine love, which, must sometimes be acceded to, however when the world had gone wrong took means to stay the penalties of divine bitter and painful the circumstances.

The reflections of our poet on divine justice and to pay out of the treasury mercy are most exalted. His is the of divine mercy the debts contracted M. sound christian thought found in all by erring man. ;.

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the great poets.

When he refers to the ''gods" he is speaking with the liberty of the poet, not with the license of the modern atheist, the most unaccountable of all pagans.

If these words smack of paganism the sen tim en t does not: "Wilt thou draw near the nature of 'the gods?

-Plans are being drawn, changed, and rebuilt by every student, for the spending of his Christmas vacation.

It seems the principal thing is to lay in a good supply of-you know-for the darks days of January. Of course the prefects won't do a thing. t

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THE VIATORIAN. Published monthly for the students by the Pantagraph Printing and Stationery Co., Bloomington, Ill. Edited by the students of St. Viateur's College ,Bourbonnais Grove, Ill. All correspondence must be addressed: THE VI.A.TORIA.N, Bourbon~ nais, Ill. Entered at the Bloomington Pos toffice as second class matter.

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BOARD OF EDITORS.

A.M. LYONS. J. O'DWYRE. F. O'REILLY. J . MURPHY. C. QUILLE. T . LYONS.

More men fail .in life for want of energy than for want of talent or opportunity. The chances for a bright career are open to all and in any field.

The best men are the best workers.

They bring to perfection all their parts, are less prone to pride-appeal to the sympathie·s of the multitude, and hence have elements · of success not foun,d in those to whom fortune has been more favorable.

both find the defects, the needs of men. You will soon become aware of the many who move through life without aim or purpose~ and just the smallest grain of common sense will show that these are not only useless mem bers, but a positive detriment to society. One having ambition will not· wish to duplicate such worthless, unli ved lives.

Its needs becoming apparent, the desire to help weak and suffering humanity is forthwith born. A measuring of one's ability, with an appeal to inclination, will readily suggest the direction · one would wish to go, and . vocation becomes a thing of life.

The men we call self-made are those who not only had a purpose in life, but a decided, definite end in view, which gave them the energy and courage to win laurels in their walks of life. And it is worth while to remark that every profession, every class of business, all fields where men gain wealth and renown, have had their self-made men.

It is a loss to a young man not to

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have ambition. That ambition should be moderate, proportionate to, his talDid you ever stop to consider how ents, habits, and character; but should . much may be expressed in a single nevertheless be pronounced.

It will word 'l The word why is not a long not be the right sort unless it direct word, neither is it an uncommon one. itself to a particular end. To be a Nevertheless, it is the secret of all good or a great man is~ap.well enough, human knowledge, for it is by trying but in what sphere is this goodness to ascertain the why and the wherefore and greatness to be manifested? Good of everything that scientific prin- . men and great men are such only when ci ples have been discovered. It is by they have shown sterling qualities in this that mankind has been led to the service of their fellow-men. You make the simplest researches into all are destined for the world, for society. branches of learning.

To the mind desirous of acquiring You will on shor-t acquaintance with

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knowledge, it is the all important question. It is to it what the "To be or n·ot to be'' was to Hamlet.. In witnessing the phenomena of nature or the occurrence of any strange event, it immediately attempts to fathom the cause and to see why it was thus and' not otherwise.

But this search after knowledge is not to be .c onfounded with curiosity.

The one is an earnest endeavor to gain information in the acquisition of which we, ourselves, may be benefited and be the better able to benefit otlfers; while the other is a prying into affairs with no other object in view than that we may satisfy our own idle inquisitive disposition. The vast caverns of learning are not ex11lored in a single day. Like riches and honor, wisdom is ours only when we have spent time and labor in its pursuit and struggled in the face of great opposition. Many long centuries have passed since the great philosopher, Seneca, told the young prince, his pupil, that there is no royal road to geometry, a.nd this has been found to be equally true of all other branches of le_arning as well.

If we would be eminent in any of the arts or sciences, it is only by constant application and by trying to ascertain the why for everything that we shall reach the desired end.

In searching after wisdom, we are sure to come nearer truth, and thus we are elevated and made better in the pursuit of our guiding star-why.

Wherever we look or into whatever we examine, a tJJhy will cons tan tl y present itself. No man need expect to be able · O answer it fully in every department

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of knowledge, but all . of us can make a specialty of so,rne one thing and understand our subject well. To be able to answer all the whys in the physical world, we must be scientists; to answer those in th.e mental, we must be philosophers; and to answer those in the moral, we must be saints. We .should then seek to understand those things that will be beneficial to us; and in deep earnest, manly effort find the key that will unlock the treasured lore of the ancients, and open wide the portals of research.

BOOKS AND PERIODICALS.

The Rosary concludes in its November issue a splendid study of the Magna Charta. ''Sketches of Venezuela" is a review of its principal cities and their attractions: churches, schools, etc.

The writer confesses the curiosity he had to visit some of the South American republics, and most people feel a similar anxiety to know something of a country which has lately become so prominent.

The Catholic World is very interesting this month. "Catholicism, Protestantism, . and Progress" is well worth' perusal. ''A Modern St. Fran_ cis" shows that heroic charity is still found in its most exalted form. "Why Catholics Sympathize With Armenia'' presents another phase of a burning question. ''The Wonders of Old Ocean," ''Madame Garnier and Her Work," and "A Morning in Florence," are among the most prominent of a strong array of fine articles.

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THE VIATORIAN.

The Century has just seen close twenty-five prosperous years. It commemorates the fact by putting on a new dress, and affects a general rigging up. '~The Devotion of Enriquez," 路 by Bret Harte, while ludicrous throughout, ends in a way to shake one's faith in woman's constancy. ''The Issues of 1896," a republican view by Theodere Roosevelt, and a democratic one

by Wm. E. Russell, is a pointed presentation of the questions each party will have to meet next year, by two men standing high in their respective parties. A review of Robert Louis Stevenson and his writings, and a sketch of Eleonora Duse will be interesting to the literary reader. Then there are the opening chapters of a serial by Mrs. Humphrey Ward.

Me Clure's has its idols, and one ranking high is our late President, Abraham Lincoln. In the November number tlhere is begun a life of Lincoln, which promises to be both complete and reliable. His was a great and noble life-a constant struggle in youth-it developed into a great and sturdy manhood which, if it lacked the grace and polish of many of his contemporaries, lacked also many of their weaknesses. No pen can be unworthily employed in Lincoln's defense.

The Reading Circle Review has a very complete outline of studies for the reading circles. 路 It has been arranged by the editor of the Review. and will require a four-year's course to complete the program. Reading circles found.ed on right principles

and carried out on the plan suggested by this worthy magazine, cannot, if the members persevere in the work, reap any but the richest harvest.

The mid-November issue of Our Young People contains the opening chapter of a serial by Rev. F. J. Finn, S.J., entitled "Ethelred Preston," which promises to be as good as any of the gifted author's preceding ventures. It is a story of college life, and all we can now imagine of Ethelred i's what -a very long letter from the boy's mother makes possible. 路of course he is the angel that every mother believes her boy to be-a belief too often shared by no one else.

But we are left to surmise. Boys may look for the same pleasure and profit that the authorJurnished in his other college . stories. For the best work with the least pretention commend us to Our Young People.

Studies in the New Testament, by Rev. Jas. H. O'Donnell, New York, Rosary Publication Co_, , 1895.

The above is the title of a most useful book which will be found reliable in all its' points. The chief merits of the work are its completeness and method.

The work is evidently that of a scholar and is well worthy of his efforts. The matter is abundant and embraces studies on the inspiration and on number and canon of the books. Although the bible is not the exClusive, nor even the primary rule of faith, since tradition preceded it, and scripture itself must have the interpretation of the church, nevertheless one should have a thorough knowledge of the holy

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writings, and this little work affords better advantages than any work of its size and scope we have yet seen.

As the title asserts, it is a study of the New Testament. The author reviews the books, their authority, integrity and veracity, as a whole, and each book then received due notice.

There is also ,a study of the circums t.ances in which the epistles and gospels were written, with a substantial analysis of what they contain. To this is added a sketch of the lives of many Evangelical men.

It is a book useful to priest and preacher who can find facts and details not found in other and more pretentious works.

Its method looks rather to utility then to literary dignity. It is in catechetical form, the most effective way of imparting know ledge.

The book will prove a great aid to those who have a serious wish to make a study of the scriptures as it will save time in the study besides being of great interest.

The writer is to be congratulated on his good work and on the desire that prompted him to give its results to the public.

PERSONAL.

-Rev. T. A. Shaw O.M., of LaSalle, Ill., and Rev. J. E. Hennelly C. M., of Chicago, Ill., paid a recent visit to the college. The Rev. Fathers have been conducting a mission at St. Patrick's church, Kankakee, Ill., and it is needless to say that their work has been a grand success. They , sue-

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ceeded greatly m awakening an enthusiastic zeal for religion, .and in bringing back many relax members to the fold of the faithful.

-Rev. J. J. Oregan 0. S. V., made a short visit to Cullom, Ill., where be was the recipient of the greatest hospitality, and for more than one reason reports a very enjoyable time.

-Messrs. J. Nawn, J. Surprenant, 0. Snider, J. Quille, J. St. Cerney, and other members of the college choir were present a few evenings at St. Patrick's church in Kankakee during the mission, where they render~d some of their choicest selections.

-路-Rev. Father Poissant has lately been appointed assistant pastor at the French congregation in Kankakee.

He is quite an accomplished gentleman, and surely his presence will be very acceptable to his people. He bas our best wishes and hec;r~y congratulations.

--Rev. Fathers La J ennesse and Delorme made a short call to the college, about the mid_dle of the month.

The former was on his return to his horne in Manitoba, but the latter will spend a short time in Olin ton, Ill. For ten years he has been a missionary in China but the work having become too burdensome for him, he was obliged to retire from this field of labor, for a short time at least, and is now taking a litth~ time to recruit, after his loss of strength.

--Bros. Senecal and Martel are expected at the college about the last of the month. Brother Senecal has just

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returned from a European trip, and he may easily anticipate a warm reception.

For many years he has been Olfr genial treasurer, and we hope to have him many years to come.

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Rev. J. Hudson, of Manistee, Mich., was among the large number of priests who visited the college during the past few weeks. The Rev. Father is quite a friend to the institution, and he may be sure of a hearty reception whenever he should chance to pass our way.

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A class on criticism was organized at the beginning of the scholastic year. This class, though only once a week, is meeting with extraordinary success. It is conducted by Rev. T. J. ' McCormick, and he has proved himself entirely competent for the task. The following are some of the subjects so far t~eated: '•Difference Between Prose and Poetry," ''Poetic Emphasi!!," ''Style," etc. The class is attended by all seminarians and rhetoricians.

We take the following from the Joliet (Ill.) Morning Post: "In the face of the frowns of nature (and tears) and in spite of the p:t;esence of a very popular theatrical organization in town, the attendance at the bazaar last night was about as large as ever. This is an expressive commentary upon the popularity of the institution.

"With such affable and engaging personalities as Fathers Foster and Morrisey at its head, with their kindly watchfulnesss of the comfort and pleasure of the guests, with their painstaking efforts to constantly add to the attractiveness of the fair, always on the lookout for new features of entertainment, the Sacred Heart Bazaar

could not but succeed; qut that its success has been so splendid, so much beyond that of the usual church fa.ir, is indeed a flattering tribute to them and their assistants and a great source of satisfaction to the many who contributed to the large stock of goods displayed ."

- A letter from Mr. Hugh O'Donnell gives some of his stage exper_ience which was very interesting to his many friends here.

He is playing with Fanny Davenport, having engaged himself to the fine company supporting that talented lady the coming year. Mr. O'Donnell will fill engagements in ail the principal cities of the east during the autumn and ear!y winter and in all probability his many friends may have the pleasure of seeing him in the west during the winter. We rejoice exceedingly that he starts under such • favorable auspices, knowing that his ability and lofty ambition will bring him into an enviable prominence, and that he will grace the high profession he has chosen.

-Among the distinguished visitors of the month was Mother St. Paul, Provincial of the Order · of the Holy Heart of Ma.ry, wh::>se headquarters are in Paris and France. She has been making a visitation of the order in America and has already visited houses in · Canada and the United States. The house lately opened ·in St. Mary's, Ills., will be the visitor's resting place while in America.

--We learn with sorrow that Mr. Richard Flynn, '93 , has been compelled to discontinue his studies and tha,t the

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state of his health will necessitate a trip to the west.

We trust the change and rest will prove beneficial and a few months will find him recovered and fit for duty.

ST. CECILIA'S DAY.

Among the many feasts celebrated in the most solemn and appropriate manner at St. Viateur's College, that which occurs of the 22d of November is not the least. It has always been the custom of the institution to solemnize this beautiful feast in ways not a few, and this year has been no exception.

The day was begun by over one hundred youths approaching the celestial table to receive their God in honor of her who was such a model of patience, humility,obedience, poverty, chastity, and sanctity, and who now sings in the choirs of paradise, after having won the martyr's crown-the patroness of music, St. Cecilia. During mass the sweet notes that pealed forth from the chapel organ were suggestive of thoughts less human than divine.

- The usual classes were followed till noon, then the rest of the day was free that all may reflect and enjoy.

The sports engaged in on the campus sufficed to show that the boys were awake to the occasion, and would not let it pass without making it the source of much enjoyment and pleasure.

About the middle of the afternoon, according to the custom of the college, all the members of the choir, together with those who take part in the musical entertainments, were called to

57

the refectory to partake of a banquet prepared especialiy to their honor, ~nd it is needless to say that it was highly enjoyed. In the evening it was thought proper to render a short program which was quick~y gotten up and as · successfully carried out.

The least that could be said of the selections rendered by Messrs. J. Nawn, J. Surprenant, J. Quille, and C. Surprenant is that they were excellent, and deserving of our highest appreciation. Also the violin duets by Messrs. Martineau and Lemarre were really brilliant and the fact that they were repeatedly called back on the stage is sufficient proof of the esteem in which their musical efforts were held.

The solo, Charity, rendered by Rev. Bro. Desjardan, C. S. V., was far above the expectations of every one, and the piano solos by Mr. Dube, and especially his clarionet solo, were excellent.

The following is the

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PROGRAM:

Overture .................... J. St. Cerney Quartet ... Messrs. J. Nawn, J. Surprenant, . ... . .......... J. Quille, and C. Snider Piano Solo ... : .................... P. Dube Violin Solo, Messrs Martineau and Lemarre Quartet .... Messrs. J. Nawn, J. Surprenant, ............... J. Quille, and C. Snider Clarionet Solo ................ . ... P. Dube Vision of St. Cecelia .... Messrs. Desjardan, ...... . . Martineau, Lemarre, and Dube Violin Duet,Messrs.Martineau and Lemarre Sancta Cecelia .............. Ora Pro Nobis . .................. . ..... College Choir Charity ...... . Rev. Bro. Desjardan, C.S. V.

-The man too stingy of his ink to make capital letters is the latest find .

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A

DAY IN CHICAGO.

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On Nov. 7, in response to an invitation received from Rev. T. J. McDevitt, the Ford Exhibition Squad, the crack drilling company of the college, the Columbian Guards and the college quartette-Messrs. Quille, Nawn, Schneider ·and Surprenantwent to Chicago to render a program for the opening night of a bazaar held on North Clark street by the congregation of the Church of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel. They left on the noon train, arriving in Chicago about two o'clock; the boys then went with their friends to various parts of the city until seven o'clock: when the squad met at the hall for a short practice drill. About an hour later, before a large and appreciative audience, they appeared again and put up a drill that would have done credit to a company of regulars. Never did they drill better after having been organized, for so short a time; each one did his best and the appreciation of the audience was shown by the thunders of applause which greeted them after each of their many difficult and well executed movements.

After the drill of the Squad the Columbian Guards gave a sword drill which was well received and loudly applauded. . The remainder of the program included a comic spE>cialty by William Doody, some well rendered songs by t}1e college quartet and music by Mr. John St. Cerney.

The program being finished the boys enjoyed themselves in the hall until a late hour, when they separated

for the night to meet at noon the next day and take the train for their college home.

All had a very nice time; the only regret was they coulp. not stay longE>r.

Too much credit can not be given to those who took part in the program of the evening, for each and all worked hard to make the opening night of the bazaar an attractive one. Capt.

Francis O'Reilly" is to be especially commended for his efforts, to which were due the · excellent drill of the squad; and to Mr. John Nawn, who contributed no small share toward the perfection of the quartet. One and all of those who went on this trip thank Fathers Fox and McDevitt for their kindnness and assure them that the remembrance of this most pleasant trip will always be among the first of the many pleasant recollections of college days.

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ROLL OF HONOR. The Guilfoyle meda1 for average of 95 upwards in the rhetoric classes, equally deserved by D. Hayden, P. Hansl, A. Lyons, T. Lyons, John Marx, S. Moore, and L. Mullins. Drawn by T. Lyons.

The Conroy medal for average of 95 and upwards equally deserved by A. Lyons and S. Moore. Drawn by Moore.

The Lesage French medal, for composition, was awarded to F. Richards. 'i'he gold medal for first in greatest number of classes, classical course, equally dedeserved by P. Hansl, A. Lyons, S. Moore, A. O'Sullivan, John Marx, and A. Goudreau. Drawn by O'Sullivan.

The gold medal for first in greatest number of classes, commercial course, equally deserved by J. Armstrong, . V. Fallon, B. a~d

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Katzenbock;, and W. Diggin. Drawn by Armstrong.

First silver medal for second in greatest number classes, classical course, equally deserved by P. Dube, H. Hildreth, J. Kinney, E. Kromenacker, J. Kearney, E. Logan, J. Murphy, R. Pugny, and James O'Dwyer. Drawn byE. Kromenacker.

First silver medal for second in greatest number of classes, Commercial Course, equally deserved by E. Coody, A. Cooley, W. Flanagan, P. Frazier, J. Hickey, T. MeCambridge, F. Potter, and R. Rafferty.

Drawn by McCambridge.

Second silver medal for third in greatest number of classes, Classical Course, equally deserved by J. Granger, R. Haley, D. Hayden, T. Lyons, F. O'Rielly, C. Quille, Jos. Roundy, and C. Schneider. Drawn by Haley.

Second silver medal fo路r third in greatest number of classes, Commercial Course, equally deserved by C. Byrnes, W. Corcoran, G. Kieffer, and W. Quigley. Drawn

by Byrnes.

VIATORIANA.

-Scilence.

-So did I. -Don't get rnad; - I wants my pie.

-Good bye Luke!

-Johnnie Frazier.

-Beans for desert.

-He lost his speech.

-The village priest.

-I'll assassinate you.

-They had a sick call.

--Raciasio-Raciocinio.

-Why today's Tuesday.

-Your key-hole's a-fire.

-Too full for utterance.

MINIM DEP .A.RTMENT.

--That's a French pullet.

Conduct medal, equally deserved by C. Flanigan, E. Carroll, J. Coughlin, V. Step.pes, J. McCormick. Drawn by J. Cough-

- -0. A. J. csecret society .

lin.

--So small and yet so fair.

Excellence medal, equally deserved by R. Mumford, F Milholland, F. Williamson, and F. Clark. Drawn by F. Clark.

-When will you get first?

-Oh, I long to be famous.

--He gets his coffee again.

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-The students hold in grateful remembrance the conge had in honor of the visit of Frs. Shaw and Hennelly and they will not forget easily the speech Father Shaw made. It was so brief and pointed.

-There have been several new arrivals the past month, among them Messrs. Harrison, Oarden,and Gazzola for the seniors; Masters Pfaff and Lemire for the juniors; Demers and Shippey for minim department.

--Necessity of being a B. A. - I am, worthy of a hep.ring.

-Alas! the balls were gone; - I took them by strategem.

-That school at Platts-burg.

-What made the thunder! I !

--It'll go off, before I go home.

- - Y ous fellers got no etiquette.

--The man in the tower is quite a weather prophet.

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--The lobster looked like corn.

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-His words were soft and low .

-Turn on the light and give me more room.

-Mr. M-- is watching Charlie.

-Righe is always right, can't be

-Oh look at that little minnow .

I.!

-Down I sat. Did you hear me?

--When shall we four meet again?

-How's the weather in the poop?

-He

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something hurting him.

-Speak to the proper authorities.

--She has a voice like a coffee mill.

-My thoughts were disconnected.

- I will always remember this day.

-Keep a civil tongue in your head.

-You are old enough to have sense.

-What blew the electric lights out?

- I was like a hen on a hot griddle.

- I am surely the best in the class.

-They look too sweet for anything.

-Wake me up when Kruder comes back.

-Have you seen my brother-inlaws?

--How far is it down the road and back?

-Three days after John got a letter.

-Hector and the Bear-not Andromache.

-You may prompt but not so loud please.

- I emphasized my speech with my fingers.

-Shall we get a derrick to raise you up?

otherwise.

-Say, darling, give me a flower from your bouquet.

--The only difference between us is that we can't agree.

- .The tongue is mightier than the sword. So says Mike.

-Found a fault in Latin grammar, participles are not declined.

-''She is making her debut Yes, but there is too little de."

-"Prof. why do day call dat football? It's de head what's all us bunged up."

-With a sigh of regret he closed his book and said how little we mortals know.

-Some of the features of the season : Mud, snow, sleet, rain and black eyes.

-Here's cabbage, there's beans, and there's mate, there, dye ye ate enough and don't moke strange.

-Some of the faculty attended a very fine entertainment at Notre Dame Academy, (given by the accomplish~d young ladies of that institution.) Music, both vocal and instrumental, together with some excellent literary and elocutionary selections, made up the program. All the participants deserve unqualified praise for their good work, as do their patient teachers, who suggested and prepared the program.

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